The project carried out by the university's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine aims to reduce and control the population of stray dogs through neutering.

UPM Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Dr Mohd Hair Bejo said the project also involved educating the public on the issue of stray animals in the country.

"In line with the Malaysian Animal Welfare Act 2015 which came into force last year, we will help to find owners for the stray dogs after carrying out several procedures (including physical examination).

"Our students are also spreading awareness on animal welfare through educational programmes conducted in schools and universities," he told Bernama after attending Dogathan 2018 at Bukit Ekspo, UPM here, today.

The 21st Dogathon was organised by the faculty's students to create awareness of animal welfare and to raise the revenue needed for the PRO-Kasih. Dr Mohd Hair noted that funds collected from Dogathan events since 1997 have been used for the programme.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that globally the dog population is 1/10 that of the human population, of which 75% are regarded as 'strays'.

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 canines pawed their way to Dogathan 2018 which includes Dogs Race, demonstration from German Sherped Dog Owners Association Malaysia, musical chairs, dog physical examination, veterinary consultation, pet games and various booths selling pet products.

Among the breeds gathered at the event themed 'Dogs around the world: Round and round the world, with dogs we come together' were German Shepherd, Poodle, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Pitbull, Chow Chow, Shih Zhu, Labrador, Siberian Husky, Malamute, Rottweiler, Pomeranian and Schnauzer.

In 2014, the 18th Dogathon was officially recorded as the "Biggest Dog Gathering in Malaysia" in the Malaysia Book of Records when a total of 1,216 dogs gathered in a single location for a day. — Bernama